Styron to add 50 kt/year S-SBR line in Schkopau

ERJ staff report (DS)

Schkopau, Germany -- Styron today (20 December) announced that the company will expand its SSBR (Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber) capacity with a new, 50 kt/year production line at its site in Schkopau, Germany, which will bring total capacity there to 150 kt/year by 2013.

The company intends to break ground in May 2011 with production ramp-up starting from Q4 2012. The new train will be built alongside existing trains and will focus on SSBR production, with the capability to produce all existing clear and oil extended Styron grades.

Stryon said, "Mandatory performance labeling of tyres, including a maximum rolling resistance, will be formally introduced in 2012 and car manufacturers already face CO2 emissions targets. In addition, consumer incentives are expected to drive growth of low rolling resistance tyres. As a result, the demand for greener, high performance tyres is growing rapidly in Europe. Other countries around the world are expected to follow Europe in the future.

"Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber is a synthetic rubber used in a wide variety of applications, including the production of tyres. The major trend in tyres is towards low rolling resistance, which significantly contributes to improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. SSBR in high performance tyres allows for an optimum performance balance of improved wet grip, high abrasion resistance, low road noise, light weight and low rolling resistance, resulting in better fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions.

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Press release from Styron